Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Pentax Optio RS1500

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500
      57
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      47
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and the Pentax Optio RS1500, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS was introduced in September 2010 and Pentax Optio RS1500 was introduced in March 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Highlights

      • 14.1 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 0.6 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax Optio RS1500 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
      4. Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Pentax Optio RS1500.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Canon SX30 IS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot SX30 IS over Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.1 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4320 x 3240 vs 4288 x 3216
      Reaches Wider Angle 24 mm vs 28 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 840 mm vs 110 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 35x vs 4x
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.7 vs f/3.5
      Min Macro Focus Distance 0 cm vs 1 cm
      Image Stabilization vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Viewfinder Electronic vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/3200 sec vs 1/1500 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

      Canon SX10 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      10.0 MP

      Canon SX50 HS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SX20 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SX40 HS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon SX60 HS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Canon SX70 HS
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      1/2.3-inch

      20.3 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500

      Pentax RS1500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio RS1500 over Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 6,400
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/5.5
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 0.6 fps vs 0.7 fps
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Lighter 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) vs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Nikon D80
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Olympus E-420
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Fujifilm S4200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Sony a7CR
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      Full Frame

      60.2 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Fujifilm S3200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Sony a7C
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Pentax Optio RS1500
        Video Capture
        Low Native ISO8080
        High Native ISO1,6006,400
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type D Micro
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Pentax Optio RS1500
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.1 Megapixel14 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        No Face Detection
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/3200 sec1/1500 sec
        Low Max Continuous Shooting0.6 fps0.7 fps
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Pentax Optio RS1500 have 2.70" screens with 230k dot resolution. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Pentax Optio RS1500 has a Fixed screen

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      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS with Fully Articulated screen


      Electronic Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS features a 14.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 1,600. Pentax Optio RS1500 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4320 x 3240 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3744 x 2104, 3072 x 2304, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax Optio RS1500 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 3216, 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.

      Image Stabilization on Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has an HDMI and Pentax Optio RS1500 has a Type D Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS comes with NB-7L battery pack and Pentax Optio RS1500 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 260 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot. Pentax Optio RS1500 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/3200 sec on Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, and up to 1/1500 sec on Pentax Optio RS1500. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS can shoot continuously up to 0.6 fps. Pentax Optio RS1500 can shoot continuously up to 0.7 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 6.80 m on Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and 3.90 m on Pentax Optio RS1500. Canon PowerShot SX30 IS also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount..

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25") and Pentax Optio RS1500 body has dimensions of 114 x 58 x 28 mm (4.49 x 2.28 x 1.1"). Canon PowerShot SX30 IS weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) and Pentax Optio RS1500 weighs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz).

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      123 mm

      92 mm

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      114 mm

      58 mm

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      108 mm

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      28 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Pentax Optio RS1500

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Pentax Optio RS1500 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Pentax Optio RS1500 and give them scores of 57 and 47 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      OVERALL
      57
      OVERALL
      47

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.1 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/3200 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.6 fps
      BAD
      27
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      POOR
      47
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz)
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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